RU2719272C1 - Server device, vehicle, service providing system and non-volatile data medium for program recording - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: computer equipment.

SUBSTANCE: server device comprises: a communication means configured to receive information from a user information terminal associated with a service selected by a user, information on a packet relating to a user packet, a first location information indicating a location for receiving a packet from a user, a first time information indicating a time for receiving a packet from a user, a second location information indicating a location for returning a packet and a second time information indicating a packet return time; and a distribution means configured to distribute the installed vehicle based on the packet information, the first location information and the first time information.

EFFECT: invention discloses a server device, a vehicle, a service provision system and a non-volatile data medium on which the program is recorded.

12 cl, 6 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The technical field

 [0001] The present invention relates to a server device, a vehicle, a service delivery system, and a non-volatile storage medium on which a program is recorded.

2. Disclosure of Prior Art

 [0002] The service of receiving a packet from a user and delivering the received packet to a specified location is known in the art.

 [0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-026397 (JP 2004-026397 A) discloses a system for operating a warehouse. This system provides for the installation of a storage room for delivery near the user's place of residence. When the user enters a request to send a package from the working keyboard provided in the storage chamber for delivery and transmits the request to the control center, the control center sends a command to extract and deliver the package to the delivery center of the transport company with which the contract is concluded, or other means for the purpose delivery of the package stored in the storage room to the warehouse of a warehouse operator collaborating with this center.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

 [0004] Moreover, the system for the operation of the warehouse, disclosed in the application JP 2004-026397 A, requires the installation of a storage room for the delivery of stored packages. Moreover, the user has to transport his package to the place of collection of packages, in particular, the storage room for delivery.

 [0005] In addition, most services involving the return of a package placed by a user after a specified time, in particular, a launderette, use equipment installed at the facility. Thus, the user has to not only spend time and effort on delivering a packet to the object, but also spend time moving to the object and waiting on the object, which makes such services ineffective. In addition, such facilities often do not differ in complete safety or attractive design, which does not contribute to attracting users to use these services.

 [0006] The present invention provides a server device, a vehicle, a service delivery system, and a non-volatile storage medium on which a program is recorded capable of providing a user with a more efficient and convenient packet receiving and returning service.

 [0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a server device, comprising: communication means configured to transmit information related to a service available to a user to a user information terminal, receive information related to a service selected by a user from an information terminal, obtain information from the information terminal a packet related to a user packet, first location information indicating a location for receiving the packet from the user, first information about a time indicating a time for receiving a packet from the user, second location information indicating a location for returning the packet, and second time information indicating a time for returning the packet; and distribution means, configured to distribute the installed vehicle based on package information, first location information and first time information.

 [0008] According to a first aspect, a first location information indicating a location for receiving a packet from a user and a first time information indicating a time for receiving a packet from a user are received. Since the vehicle is distributed based on the information received, the user’s movement can be minimized, and the time or other costs of the user moving can be reduced. Consequently, the efficiency of service delivery is improved.

 [0009] In this case, the first location information and the second location information may be information indicating a specific area. Information indicative of a specific selected location from among a plurality of possible locations suitable for the delivery or return of a packet by a user may be adopted as the first location information or the second location information. The second location information may be location information similar to the first location information. In addition, the server device may be configured to automatically set the user's current location as first location information or second location information.

 [0010] The first time information and the second time information may indicate a specific time period. Information indicating a specific time period selected by the user from several possible time periods available for delivery or return of the packet may be taken as the first time information or the second time information. For example, if a nearby vehicle cannot reach the location indicated in the first location information at a time specified by the first time information, the user can select a period of time during which the vehicle can reach the desired location. Information indicative of a specific time period selected by the user may be adopted as first time information or second time information.

 [0011] The second time information may be time information based on the first time information. For example, the second time information may be information indicating a time after a prescribed time specified by the first time information. The server device may be configured to automatically set the current time as the first time information.

 [0012] The package information related to the user package may be information indirectly pointing to the package and not limited to information directly describing the package. For example, in the case of laundry services, information indicating the weight of the clothes to be laundry service, or information identifying a washer-dryer with a specific washing capacity, is included in the package information that indirectly describes the package to be delivered.

 [0013] In a first aspect, the service may be a packet storage service, including returning a packet received from a user after a prescribed storage time of a packet in a vehicle has elapsed.

 [0014] In a first aspect, the service may be a laundry service, including returning a package received from a user after washing the package in a vehicle.

 [0015] The service may be a service involving receiving food from a user, preparing food, and returning the finished meal to the user. In addition, the service can be a container service that stores books or other similar items that are in the user's possession and returns books or other similar items after a prescribed period (for example, several months). In addition, the present invention can be widely applied to services involving the storage of tangible property received from the user and the return of tangible property unchanged or after certain processing.

 [0016] The property received from the user can be stored in the vehicle until the property is returned to the user, which allows the provision of the full service within the vehicle. In addition, compared with the option of providing services, in particular, laundry services, the provision of services on equipment inside the vehicle while the vehicle is in motion reduces the time spent on washing and driving to and from the laundry room. Thus, in the case of the first aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible to move simultaneously with the provision of the service. This reduces the time required to provide the service.

 [0017] According to a first aspect, the server device may include calculating means for comparing the difference between the second time information and the first time information with the time necessary for the vehicle to move from the location indicated in the first location information to the location indicated in the second location information.

 [0018] According to a first aspect, the communication means may be arranged to receive information about the current location of the vehicle from several vehicles, and the distribution means may be configured to select a distributed vehicle from the group of vehicles based on information indicating the current location .

 [0019] In the first aspect, the first location information and the second location information may indicate the same location.

 [0020] According to a first aspect, the distribution means may be configured to select, as an installed vehicle, such a vehicle that is determined to be able to arrive at the location indicated in the first location information by the time indicated in the first time information, and arrive at the location indicated in the second location information by the time indicated in the second time information; in addition, the distribution means may be arranged to distribute the installed vehicle by transmitting the first location information, the first time information, the second location information and the second time information to the installed vehicle.

 [0021] According to a first aspect, the service may comprise a step performed in the vehicle, and the distribution means may be configured to distribute the installed vehicle, at least based on the condition that this step is performed by the installed vehicle in between time, indicated in the first time information and time indicated in the second time information.

 [0022] A second aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle, comprising: an on-board communication device configured to receive at least a first location information from a server device indicating a location for receiving a packet from a user, first time information indicating a reception time a packet from a user, second location information indicating a location for returning the packet, and second time information indicating a packet return time, said server the triad is configured to transmit information about a service available to the user to the user information terminal, receive information about the service selected by the user from the information terminal, receive information about the packet related to the user packet, the first location information, the first time information, the second from the information terminal location information and second time information, and the distribution of the installed vehicle based on the package information, first information about the location and the first time information; and processing means configured to process information indicating a route to reach the location indicated in the first location information from the current location of the vehicle to the time indicated in the first time information and information indicating a route to reach the location indicated in the second location information, from the location indicated in the first location information to the time indicated in the second time information.

 [0023] Information indicating the route can be processed so that the driver or other operator of the vehicle can output to a display device or other similar device. However, the information mentioned is not limited to the foregoing. For example, information can be processed so that the autopilot can steer the vehicle based on route information.

 [0024] The vehicle receives first time information indicating a time for receiving a packet from the user, second location information indicating a location for returning the packet, and second time information indicating a time for returning the packet. In addition, the vehicle receives from the server device distributing the vehicle based on the received packet information, the first location information and the first time information, at least first location information, first time information, second location information and second time information. This allows you to minimize the movement of the user, the time to overcome this distance or other similar parameters. Thus, it is possible to effectively provide the user with the service of receiving and returning the packet.

 [0025] According to a second aspect, the vehicle may comprise equipment configured to perform at least one operation of said service.

 [0026] According to a second aspect, the service may be a laundry service comprising returning a package received from a user after washing the package in a vehicle, and the vehicle may include equipment for washing the package received from the user in the vehicle.

 [0027] According to the second aspect, the vehicle may comprise a number of equipment, in particular washing and drying machines, necessary to provide a service. To simultaneously provide a service to a large number of users, the vehicle may be a large vehicle.

 [0028] A third aspect of the invention relates to a service delivery system comprising multiple vehicles; a server device comprising communication means configured to transmit information related to a service available to a user to a user information terminal, receive information related to a service selected by the user from the information terminal, receive first location information from the information terminal regarding the user packet, indicating a location for receiving a packet from a user, first time information indicating a time for receiving a packet from a user A, second location information indicating the location for returning the packet, and second time information indicating the time of returning the packet; and distribution means, configured to distribute the installed vehicle based on package information, first location information and first time information.

 [0029] The service delivery system comprises means for receiving, from an information terminal, packet information related to a user packet, first location information indicating a location for receiving a packet from a user, first time information indicating a packet receiving time from a user, second location information indicating the location for returning the packet, and second time information indicating the time of returning the packet, and distribution means for distributing the mouth copulating vehicle based on the received information about the package, the first location information and the first time information. This allows you to minimize the movement of the user, the time to complete this movement or other similar parameters. Thus, it is possible to effectively provide the user with the service of receiving and returning the packet.

 [0030] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a non-volatile storage medium on which a program is recorded. When executed by a computer, the program determines that the computer performs: the stage of obtaining information related to the service available to the user from the server; the step of transmitting to the server information related to the service selected by the user; and the step of transmitting to the server the packet information related to the user packet, the first location information indicating the location for receiving the packet from the user, the first time information indicating the time the packet was received from the user, the second location information indicating the location for returning the packet, and second time information indicating a packet return time. Such a program is recorded on a storage medium, in particular, a semiconductor memory device and a magnetic disk mounted on a user terminal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

 [0031] Distinctive features, advantages, technical and industrial significance of illustrative embodiments will be disclosed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numbers indicate the same elements:

 In FIG. 1 shows the general configuration of system 1;

 In FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a management server 100;

 In FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle terminal 52;

 In FIG. 4 shows a table with information about the status of the vehicle;

 In FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing a laundry service; and

 In FIG. 6 shows a display screen of a touch panel of a user terminal 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

 [0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed with reference to the accompanying figures. Moreover, components with the same or similar functionality have the same reference designations, which allows to omit or simplify their description.

 [0033] The embodiments disclosed below only illustrate the description of certain aspects of the present invention and are not restrictive. The present invention can be implemented with modifications of the following disclosure within the general creative approach of a person skilled in the art.

First Embodiment

 [0034] In FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a system 1 for providing a laundry service (an example of “a service including receiving a packet from a user and returning a packet”) in accordance with the present embodiment.

 [0035] System 1 comprises several user terminals 12 (an example of a “user information terminal”) operated by several users 10, several vehicles 50 used to provide the service, and a management server 100 (example of a “server device”) for managing and providing several services including laundry service. The management server 100 may establish a connection with each of the user terminals 12 and each of the terminals 52 of the vehicle 50 through the network 2. The management server 100 may contain two or more servers. To increase the waiting period and reduce communication traffic, the management server 100 can be configured to perform distributed processing of regional information by providing for each region a border server located at a short distance from users 10.

 [0036] Users 10 (referred to as “users 10” when referring to users together, while each user is identified by the expression “user 10A”, “user 10B”, etc.) are any persons using the services laundry services provided by the company managing the management server 100 and vehicles 50. Users 10 pay a fee, for example, a monthly fee corresponding to the volume of services provided by the laundry.

 [0037] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a management server 100. The control server 100 processes information about users 10 and vehicles 50 and distributes the corresponding vehicle 50 based on a request from this user 10. The control server 100 comprises a communication device 101, a state information collection unit 104, a state information storage unit 105, a database 106, a request receiving unit 111 and a vehicle distribution unit 113.

 [0038] The functions of the management server 100 are implemented by an electronic circuit. In particular, the functions are implemented by an electronic circuit comprising an arithmetic processing processor, a temporary storage device, a non-volatile storage medium on which a program, a communication interface, an input device and an output device are recorded. The processor is a specialized integrated circuit (ASIC) for reading and executing programs (including a program that defines each arithmetic process according to the present description) recorded on a storage medium. Temporary storage device contains a static random access memory (SRAM) or other similar device that allows you to temporarily store part of the programs, operational and other data. A storage medium is a medium for recording a program describing each arithmetic process according to the present description, and data, in particular, cartographic data, in a machine-readable state realized by an electric, magnetic, optical, mechanical or chemical method or a combination of these methods. For example, the storage medium consists of a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory device (in particular, NAND flash memory). For example, a communication interface is a wired or wireless interface circuit for exchanging information with an external environment. The management server 100 may comprise an input device and an output device. An input device is, for example, a device for inputting information, for example, a mouse, keyboard, touchpad, keypad and microphone. The output device is, for example, a device for outputting information, in particular, a display and a speaker.

 [0039] The communication device 101 is connected to a network 2 for transmitting and receiving information necessary for providing a washing service between the terminals 12 of the users 10 ordering laundry services and the terminals 52 of the vehicle. The communication device 101 receives orders for laundry services or other services from users 10 via terminals 12 and transmits response or other similar information to user terminals 12. The communication device 101 receives information about the location of the vehicles 50 and the state of the vehicle (FIG. 4), showing the operating status of the washer-dryer, from the terminals 52 of the vehicles. In addition, the communication device 101 transmits command information about the purpose of the installed vehicles 50 to users 10.

 [0040] The state information collection unit 104 retrieves and obtains the location information of users 10 obtained by the communication device 101 from user terminals 12. In addition, the state information collection unit 104 retrieves and obtains location information of the vehicles 50, information about the planned routes of the vehicles 50, and information about the state of the vehicles, showing the operational status of the washer-dryer installed on the vehicles 50, obtained by the communication device 101 from terminals 52 vehicles.

 [0041] The state information storage unit 105 records and updates status information regarding users 10 and vehicles 50 based on information received by the state information collection unit 104. Vehicle status information will be described below.

 [0042] The database 106 stores information, in particular, cartographic information and authentication information of the participant. The database 106 may further store traffic information near vehicles received in real time from the communication device 101, in combination with location information.

 [0043] The request receiving unit 111 receives requests from users 10 for laundry services, the place and time of delivery of clothes or other similar items, as well as the place and time of return.

 [0044] After receiving a laundry service request from one of the users 10, the vehicle distribution unit 113 performs an arithmetic process to distribute the installed vehicle 50 to the user 10 using the state information storage unit 105 and the database 106. Details of the arithmetic process will be described below (FIG. 5). Command information for assigning the selected vehicle 50 to the user 10 is transmitted to the selected vehicle 50 via the communication device 101.

 [0045] The user terminals 12 are portable information terminals, in particular smartphones and tablets, on which application software (hereinafter referred to as the “application”) is provided by a laundry service management company. For example, each user terminal 12 contains communication means for exchanging information with the control server 100 through the network 2 and a touch panel display displaying text and graphic information and allowing input by users 10 by touch. When the application starts, users 10 can send a request for a laundry service and other information to the management server 100, receive information from the management server 100 and display information on the touch panel display.

 [0046] Vehicles 50 are large vehicles operated by company employees. Vehicles 50 can stand in certain places or move along predetermined routes until a request for vehicle assignment is received from the control server 100.

 [0047] Each vehicle 50 comprises a vehicle terminal 52 for communicating with a control server 100. In addition, vehicles 50 may include a device 60 configured to implement at least one of the service processes. For example, in the first embodiment, the vehicle 50 comprises several large washer-dryers designed for washing and drying 16 kg of clothes, bedding, or other similar items, several medium-sized washer-dryer designed for washing and drying 10 kg of clothes , bedding or other similar items, as well as a washer-dryer for sneakers. Vehicles 50 are configured to provide authenticated users 10 access to vehicles 50 through the rear door of vehicles 50 and to control washer-dryer machines. For example, large washer-dryers need 90 minutes to complete a normal washing and drying program, medium-sized washer-dryers need 60 minutes to finish washing and drying, and a sneaker-tumble dryer to finish washing and drying takes 40 minutes. It is possible to transmit to the control server 100 messages about the operating state of the washer-dryer from the terminals 52 of the vehicles for each prescribed time period.

 [0048] Vehicles 50 may not contain the same devices, but may contain different washing or drying equipment. For example, an installed vehicle 50 may include a device for providing laundry related services, in particular ironing, with laundry service staff remaining in the vehicle for simultaneously providing laundry related services. As vehicles 50, unmanned vehicles with artificial intelligence can be used.

 [0049] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle terminal 52. The vehicle terminal 52 comprises a GPS receiver 53, a location determining unit 54, a vehicle navigation system 55, an action receiving unit 56, a mode setting unit 57, a vehicle assignment request receiving unit 58, an image forming unit 59, an on-board communication device 61, and output device 62. The output device 62 includes a display.

 [0050] Since the vehicle terminal 52 contains the same hardware configuration as the configuration of the control server 100, a description thereof will be omitted. The terminal 52 of the vehicle contains a non-volatile storage medium, a program (including a program defining each arithmetic process executed by the terminals 52 of the vehicle as described herein) recorded thereon, and a processor represented by specialized integrated circuits (ASICs) for performing said arithmetic processes in accordance with with the program.

 [0051] The on-board communication device 61 is connected to the network 2 wirelessly via wireless base stations or wireless access points to exchange information necessary for providing the service with the communication device 101 of the control server 100. The GPS receiver 53 receives GPS signals transmitted from several GPS satellites via a GPS antenna. The positioning unit 54 determines the current location of its vehicle terminal 52 based on the received GPS signals. In particular, the positioning unit 54 obtains the latitude and longitude of its vehicle terminal 52 by means of calculations. Latitude and longitude form the location information of their terminal. The positioning unit 54 periodically receives and transmits the location information to the on-board communication device 61. The on-board communication device 61 periodically transmits location information to the management server 100. The positioning unit 54 also transmits the obtained location information to the vehicle navigation system 55. Even if the ignition of the vehicle 50 is turned off, it is preferable that the functions of the GPS receiver 53, the positioning unit 54, and the on-board communication device 61 are kept active, and the on-board communication device 61 should periodically transmit location information to the control server 100.

 [0052] Having received command information showing vehicle assignment information from the vehicle command unit 115 of the control server 100, the vehicle designation request collection unit 58 transmits information indicating that there is a vehicle designation request to the vehicle navigation system 55 and an image forming unit 59. The command information contains at least identification information that identifies the specified user 10, and information indicating the place and time of delivery, as well as the place and time of return of the packet required by the user.

 [0053] The imaging unit 59 generates a message screen indicating that there is a request for a vehicle destination, and displays a message screen on the display of the output device 62. The message screen contains, for example, information about the name of the specified user 10, as well as the place and time of delivery of the packet, desirable for user 10.

 [0054] The person driving the vehicle 50 recognizes the presence of a vehicle assignment request by viewing the message screen. The output device 62 may include a voice output function that allows you to voice notify the employee of the receipt of the request for the appointment of the vehicle. If an unmanned vehicle equipped with artificial intelligence is used as the vehicle 50, there is no need for a display or other similar device to display the received command information.

 [0055] The vehicle navigation system 55 receives, as one of the intermediate points, information about the location of the change point along with the time of delivery, wherein the information about the location of the change point is included in the command information received from the control server 100. In addition, the vehicle navigation system 55 receives, as one of the intermediate points, location and return time information.

 [0056] Then, the navigation system 55 of the vehicle receives, by calculation, a new route including two received intermediate points included in the time sequence of an already received route consisting of several intermediate points. The management server 100 or other servers capable of exchanging information with the vehicles 50 may perform route calculation instead of the on-board terminal.

 [0057] The imaging unit 59 displays a screen for tracking the route to the output device 62 in order to reach an intermediate point at a specified time. Thus, the employee can reach the next waypoint, so as to reach it at the specified time.

 [0058] The action receiving unit 56 receives an operation command for the washer-dryer installed in the vehicle 50 from the employee or the specified user 10. When the user 10 controls the washer-dryer, the action receiving unit 56 receives the user ID 10. Setting unit 57 of the mode transmits from the on-board communication device 61 to the management server 100 a user ID 10 and identification information of a started washer-dryer as information indicating the operating state s washing machine. When the user 10 removes clothes or other similar items from the specified washer-dryer after the washing and drying process is completed, the action receiving unit 56 likewise obtains the user ID 10. The mode setting unit 57 transmits the user ID 10 from the on-board communication device 61 to the management server 100 and information on the identification of the operating washer-dryer as information indicating the completion of the washer-dryer. The state information collecting unit 104 included in the control server 100 can obtain data on a period of time during which the specified user 10 used the specified washer-dryer by obtaining information about the operating state. Based on this information, a company may charge a user 10.

 [0059] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of vehicle status information recorded in the state information storage unit 105 included in the control server 100.

 [0060] As shown in this figure, vehicle status information for vehicles 50 includes identification information identifying each of the vehicles 50, as well as latitude and longitude information indicating the current location of the vehicles 50. In addition, information about the state of the vehicle includes information indicating the operating condition of the equipment (washer-dryers in this embodiment) of each vehicle 50. In particular, for each of an oral dryer, working time, defined as the time from delivery to return of clothes or other similar items, and downtime, defined as time other than working time, are stored along with identification information of the user 10 using the corresponding washer-dryer.

 [0061] Furthermore, the vehicle status information includes traffic status information indicating whether each vehicle 50 is in motion or in a parking lot. In addition, vehicle status information includes route information.

 [0062] The route information is information about several intermediate points listed in a time sequence from the place of delivery recorded in accordance with the time of delivery, or the place of return recorded in accordance with the time of return, defined as intermediate points. Route information also indicates routes between waypoints.

 [0063] A method for providing laundry services using the system 1 will be described below. In FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the main processes of the method.

 [0064] The management server 100 determines employees responsible for the respective areas. Employees are awaiting a vehicle assignment request by driving their vehicles 50 in accordance with the indicated traffic routes in their areas of responsibility. Employees can stop vehicles 50 at designated locations and wait for a request for vehicle assignments. The management server 100 receives and updates vehicle status information, including current location information from GPS and equipment operating conditions, received from terminals 52 of the respective vehicles 50.

 [0065] When one of the users 10 launches the application on the user terminal 12 and enters his identifier and password, the user terminal 12 will transmit this identifier and password to the management server 100 through the network 2.

 [0066] After obtaining the identifier and password of the user 10 from the user terminal 12, the management server 100 searches the database 106 and authenticates the user 10 (step S1). In addition, the management server 100 receives information about the service or services registered by the user 10, and transmits information (an example of “information about available services”) related to the service or services to the user terminal 12 through the network 2 (step S2). In this case, since the user 10 has registered the laundry service, the management server 100 transmits information regarding the laundry service to the user terminal 12. If the user 10 has also registered other services related to the use of the vehicle, information about such services is also transmitted to the user terminal 12.

 [0067] Information received from the management server 100 is displayed as services available to the user 10 on the touch panel display of the user terminal 12. The user 10 enters the desired service and other necessary information by clicking on the indicated position on the touch panel display or by submitting a request by voice through a microphone. For example, user 10 selects and enters a washing and drying service (example, “information about a user selected service”) from a drop-down menu displayed on the touch panel display of user terminal 12 (step S3).

 [0068] Next, the user 10 also selects and enters that the number of clothes or other similar items is 10 kg or less (an example of “user package information”) from the drop-down menu displayed on the touch panel display (step S4). The washing and drying menu with a medium-sized washing machine can be displayed on the touch panel display for user selection. Thus, information including the service necessary for the user and information about the package intended for this service can be entered and received.

 [0069] After that, the user 10 enters the desired time (an example of "first time information") of the delivery of clothes or other similar items using the user terminal 12. In this case, instead of entering a specific time by the user on the user terminal 12, a menu may be displayed for the quickest possible delivery of clothes or other similar items (an example of “first time information”) for accepting data entered by the user 10.

 [0070] In addition, the user 10 enters the desired place of delivery of clothes or other similar items (an example of “first location information”) using the user terminal 12 (step S5). For example, user 10 may enter a specific address as the desired place of delivery of clothes or other similar items. In this case, instead of entering a specific address or the like. by the user 10 on the user terminal 12, a menu for selecting the current location (an example of “first location information”) may be displayed for receiving the selection data entered by the user 10.

 [0071] The user 10 likewise enters the desired time (an example of “second time information”) returning clothes or other similar items using the user terminal 12. In this case, instead of entering a specific time by user 10, a menu for quickly returning clothes or other similar items (an example of “second time information”) for accepting selection data entered by user 10 may be displayed on user terminal 12. The application may contain a predefined table linking the indicated services with the minimum necessary time to provide each service. If the time required to provide the service chosen by the user is less than the time from the delivery to return of clothes or other similar items entered by the user, the application can be configured with the ability to not accept and reject the input of such time.

 [0072] Similarly, the user 10 enters the desired place of return of clothes or other similar items (an example of "second location information") from the user terminal 12 (step S6). Instead of entering a specific address or other similar information, you can select the current location (example of “second location information”) or location (example of “second position information”) as the place of return, coinciding with the place of delivery of clothes or other similar items. The user terminal 12 transmits these units of input information to the management server 100.

 [0073] The request receiving unit 111, which is part of the management server 100, receives information indicating the service of washing and drying clothes or other similar items in an amount of 10 kg or less as the service selected by the user, as well as information regarding the desired time and place delivery of clothing or other similar items, as well as the desired time and place of return of clothing or other similar items. The vehicle distribution unit 113, which is part of the control server 100, determines the presence of the vehicle 50, which can be distributed to the user 10 from the number of the controlled vehicles 50 and performs the calculation for selecting the distributed vehicle 50 (step S7).

 [0074] First, the control server 100 identifies a medium-sized washer-dryer and a large-sized washer-dryer as equipment capable of providing the washing and drying service of clothes or other similar items in an amount of 10 kg or less requested by the user 10.

 [0075] After that, the control server 100 selects the vehicles 50 having at least one medium-sized washer-dryer or a large-sized washer-dryer, not occupied with performing the service from the desired time for the delivery of clothes or other similar items to the desired time for returning clothes or other similar items, using the data of the state information storage unit 105.

 [0076] The vehicle distribution unit 113 included in the control server 100 determines whether the dedicated vehicle 50 can arrive at the right place at the right time. In particular, taking into account the data of the state information storage unit 105, the vehicle distribution unit 113 makes a determination based on information such as route information reflecting a desired time and place of delivery, and a desired time and place of return of clothes or other similar items received from terminal 12 of another user 10.

 [0077] Consider, for example, a situation in which a particular user 10A wishes to hand over clothes or other similar items in paragraph A (for example, at the place of residence of user 10A) at 22:00 and pick up clothes or other similar items in paragraph A 'at 07 : 00 the next day, however, for the installed vehicle 50, a schedule has already been drawn up immediately before 22:00, namely, the return of clothes or other similar items in paragraph B at 21:20 to another user 10B, as well as immediately after 22:00, namely , the delivery of clothing or other similar items in paragraph e C at 23:15 another user 10C. In the described situation, the control server 100 makes a model for checking the possibility of the arrival of the vehicle 50 leaving point B at 21:30, that is, at the time obtained by adding a reserve of 10 minutes to complete the process, in particular, returning clothes at 21:20, to point A by 10 p.m. (or during the time immediately before 10 p.m.). Similarly, the control server 100 compiles a model for checking the possibility of the arrival of the vehicle 50 leaving point A at 22:10, that is, at the time obtained by adding a reserve of 10 minutes to complete the process, in particular, handing over clothes or other similar items, to paragraph C to 23:15. According to the simulation results, if it is determined that the vehicle 50 can move from point B to point A and from point A to point C in a timely manner, the control server 100 determines that the vehicle 50 will be able to arrive at point A at 22:00 to provide services to the user 10A.

 [0078] If the installed vehicle 50 does not have a closest schedule, the control server 100 determines whether the vehicle 50 can arrive at point A at 22:00 based on the current location of the vehicle 50.

 [0079] Similarly, with respect to the desired return time, the control server 100 determines whether the vehicle 50 can arrive at point A 'at 07:00 the next day, based on the schedule of other users 10 immediately before and immediately after 07:00 the next day. If the closest point on the schedule of the vehicle 50 relates to the delivery of clothes or other similar items by the user 10A at 22:00, the management server 100 determines whether the vehicle 50, which left point A at 22:10, can receive the time received by adding a reserve of 10 minutes , arrive at point A 'at 07:00 the next day. If point A ′ is a remote location and vehicle 50, therefore, cannot arrive at point A ′ at 07:00 the next morning, or point A ′ is outside the service area, the control server 100 transmits a message to the user terminal 12 prompting the user to specify another point or time.

 [0080] If there are two or more vehicles 50 available for handing over clothes or other similar items to the user 10A or returning clothes or other similar items to the user 10A, you can set priorities for the vehicles 50 based on the data. For example, vehicles 50 may be prioritized so that vehicles 50 with a shorter distance to their destination are considered preferred. In addition, vehicles 50 may be prioritized so that vehicles 50 without a tight schedule before and after the desired time are considered preferred, or that vehicles 50 with an affordable medium sized washer-dryer are preferred over vehicles with an available washer-dryer big size.

 [0081] If, based on the results of such a calculation, the control server 100 can distribute the vehicle 50 in accordance with the requirements of 10A, the control server 100 transmits a notification and cost data or other similar information to the user 10A to confirm the details of the service scheduled to be provided at the end. The user 10A gives final approval using the user terminal 12 and confirms the service (step S8).

 [0082] After receiving information indicating the final approval from the user terminal 12, the control server 100 transmits to the vehicle 50, which is distributed, command information containing the place and time of delivery, as well as the place and time of return, desired by the user 10A (step S9 ) The terminal 52 of the vehicle 50 receives the requested place and time of delivery, as well as the place and time of return from the server 100 management. The obtained information is recorded on the registration terminal of the vehicle 50 and is included in the route of the vehicle 50.

 [0083] If the vehicle 50 that meets the requirements of the user 10A cannot be provided, a message about this and, if possible, an alternative offer is sent to the user terminal 12 (S10).

 [0084] Consider, for example, the case in which the installed vehicle 50 may arrive at point A by 10:00 p.m. to provide services to the user 10A, but the installed vehicle 50 cannot return clothes or other similar items in point A at 07 : 00 the next day. In this case, if the installed vehicle 50 can return the clothes or other similar items in point A between 23:00 and 06:15 the next day, an alternative plan will be offered to user 10A. User 10A may re-enter the desired return time (example of “second time information”) and transmit the desired return time to the management server 100.

 [0085] If the user 10 selects the option of the quickest possible delivery of clothes or other similar items from the menu, the control server 100 performs a similar calculation for vehicles 50 located near the desired place of delivery of clothes or other similar items at a given time.

 [0086] In particular, the control server 100 selects from vehicles 50 having at least one medium or large size washer dryer not occupied for a prescribed period (eg, three hours) from the current time, vehicles 50 located near the desired place of delivery of clothes or other similar items by the user 10. After that, the control server 100 calculates the time during which the vehicles 50 can arrive at the desired location declared by the user 10. The subtraction control server 100 for a vehicle capable of arriving at a desired location declared by user 10 earlier than other vehicles, informs the earliest possible arrival time of a vehicle at a return location declared by user 10 after providing laundry service. After that, the management server 100 transmits to the user terminal 12 the earliest delivery time and return time available to the user 10A, together with an indication of the cost and other such information.

 [0087] The user 10A determines whether or not to accept the proposed schedule, and in particular, an alternative schedule, from the user terminal 12 (step S11). If the user 10A accepts the proposed schedule, he transfers the final approval (step S8). After receiving information indicating final approval, from the user terminal 12, the control server 100 distributes the vehicle 50, transmitting information about the desired location and time of delivery declared by the user 10A, as well as the desired location and time of return to the distributed vehicle 50 (step S9). The terminal 52 of the vehicle 50 receives the place and time of delivery, as well as the desired place of return and time from the server 100 management. The obtained information is recorded on the registration terminal of the vehicle 50 and included in the route of the vehicle 50. If the user 10A does not accept the proposed schedule, and in particular, an alternative schedule, the process ends (step S12).

 [0088] The vehicle 50 includes a delivery location and time, as well as a desired return location and time received from the management server 100, in the route. If the vehicle 50 does not have previous destinations or schedules, the arrival route at the indicated location at the indicated time is calculated from the current position. In this case, in contrast to the usual calculation of the route, it is not necessary to calculate the shortest or fastest route to the destination.

 [0089] Consider, for example, a situation in which a vehicle 50 scheduled to return clothes or other similar items to user 10B at time t1 in point B, then receives a change of clothes or other similar items from user 10A at time t2 in time A. In this case, if the vehicle 50 moves along the shortest route, it may arrive at point A too early.

 [0090] In this case, for example, the vehicle 50 may continue to travel along the shortest route from point B to the area near point A, and then the vehicle 50 decides to choose a route that is not the shortest route, but allows you to arrive at point A at the specified time t2.

 [0091] Alternatively, the vehicle 50 may find a waiting place in the area near point A, move along the shortest route from point B to the waiting place, be on standby at the waiting place, and then continue along the shortest route from the waiting place to point A.

 [0092] Alternatively, the vehicle 50 may move to an area close to point A at a speed close to the upper limit of the allowable speed. Upon reaching the area near point A, the vehicle 50 can be controlled in such a way as to arrive at point A at the indicated time t2, dynamically calculating the speed or route of movement of the vehicle 50, taking into account the current time and distance to point A.

 [0093] Then, when the vehicle 50 reaches point A or is close enough to point A at time t2 or a few minutes before time t2, the terminal 52 of the vehicle 50 notifies the control server 100 that the vehicle 50 has arrived at the point A or will probably arrive in it in a few minutes. The management server 100 notifies the user 10A that the vehicle 50 has arrived at point A. The user terminal 12 shows the location of the vehicle 50 on the map based on information from the management server 100.

 [0094] In FIG. 6 schematically shows the touch panel of the user terminal 12, which shows the stopping place of the vehicle 50, indicated by a circle 13 with the inscription "PICKUP" (place of reception), and the appearance of the vehicle 50. In FIG. 6 shows a display of the touch panel in the case when the vehicle 50 arrives at the stopping place after three minutes, and the notification is transmitted to the user terminal 12.

 [0095] Upon detecting the vehicle 50 stopped in step A, the user 10A transmits a request to unlock the vehicle 50 to the control server 100 from the user terminal 12.

 [0096] In response to a request from the user terminal 12, the control server 100 transmits an unlock command to the vehicle terminal 52. Vehicle 50 unlocks in response to a command.

 [0097] When the vehicle 50 is unlocked, the user 10A enters the vehicle 50, puts clothes or other similar objects into the indicated washer-dryer, and performs an action to start the washing and drying process in the washer-dryer using the action receiving unit 56.

 [0098] After that, the user 10A exits the vehicle 50 and activates the user terminal 12 to notify the management server 100 that the delivery of things is completed.

 [0099] In response to the notification, the control server 100 notifies the terminal 52 of the vehicle that the delivery of things has been completed.

 [0100] Based on this notification, the vehicle 50 is automatically blocked and sent to the next destination. At the same time, the process of washing clothes or other similar items handed over by the user 10A begins.

 [0101] During the return of clothes or other similar items, the user 10A may pick up clothes or other similar items from the vehicle 50 in a similar manner.

 [0102] Thus, in the laundry service providing system 1 according to the present embodiment, when handing over clothes or other similar items, not only the desired time and place of delivery are entered, but also the desired time and place of return. The management server 100 determines the feasibility of handing over clothes or other similar items to a specified user 10 and returning clothes or other similar items to a specified user 10, taking into account information about the time and place of handing over and returning clothes of other users using the services of the same vehicle 50. This allows you to distribute a vehicle 50 that does not cause a violation in the provision of services to other users. Therefore, the system 1 is able to provide the user 10 with an effective and very convenient service that eliminates the need to transport clothing, bedding, or other similar items to enterprises, for example, self-service laundries.

 [0103] Since the place of return and the time of return of clothes or other similar items can be set freely, there is no need to visit enterprises, such as self-service laundries or to wait for the completion of washing or other services in these institutions. In addition, since users do not have to worry about other people seeing their clothes or other similar items, they can safely use this service. In addition, it becomes possible to efficiently use laundry services at night or other similar times. Even in the case of a long stay in places of residence, for example, in hotels without washing machines, you can use the laundry services, indicating the hotel or other similar institution as the place for the delivery and return of clothes or other similar items.

 [0104] In addition, since the laundry service can be provided using equipment in the vehicle 50, it becomes possible to return the returned clothes or other similar items after a minimum period of time necessary for the implementation of the washing service. Thus, it becomes possible to provide a service in a very short time compared to a system in which the delivery and laundry services are separated.

 [0105] Members of the family and other groups can use one account, so clothes or other similar items can be returned to another user 10 with another user terminal 12, authenticated based on the identifier and password.

 [0106] If the location indicated by user 10 as the place for delivery or return is not suitable, a message about this and an offer of other places in the neighborhood may be transmitted.

 [0107] User authentication can be performed in various ways. In addition to entering a password, you can use fingerprint, face, etc. data for authentication. Despite the fact that various aspects of the route calculation method were disclosed in the description, the method preferably provides for the possibility of choosing the fastest route to the destination in case of receipt of a request, in particular, a request for the fastest delivery of clothes.

First modification

 [0108] The first embodiment is described in the laundry application as an example of a service including receiving and returning a packet from a user. However, the present invention can be applied to a variety of other services. Hereinafter, essentially, differences from the first embodiment will be considered, while a description of features that can be implemented in the same configuration, or functions obvious to those skilled in the art, will be omitted or simplified.

 [0109] In the following example, the present invention is applicable to a packet delivery service, including receiving a packet from a user 10 and transmitting a packet at a specified location.

 [0110] For example, the management server 100 may be configured to allow the user 10 to select the package delivery service instead of the laundry service from the user terminal 12 and to allow the user 10 to enter the package delivery location and time, as well as the return location and time from the user terminal 12 during placing an order for a service. The management server 100 may be configured to select and assign the optimal vehicle 50 from the fleet of vehicles 50 based on these units of information and similar information about other users 10.

 [0111] In this configuration, the management server 100 determines the feasibility of delivering the packet to the specified user 10 and returning the packet, taking into account information, in particular, the time and place of delivery and return of packets of other users using the services provided by the same vehicle 50. This makes it possible distribute the vehicle 50 that does not cause a violation in the provision of services to other users. Therefore, it becomes possible to provide the user 10 with an effective and very convenient service that eliminates the need to deliver the package to the specified pick-up point.

 [0112] For example, during a business trip, user 10 may check in their luggage at their place of residence and collect luggage back at the airport. In addition, the user 10 can rent out clothes or other similar items rented for a particular event, such as a wedding, at a rental agency, and receive clothes or other similar items at the venue.

Second modification

 [0113] In another example, the present invention can be applied to a container service for receiving a large number of books, artwork, or other similar items from a user 10 for storing packages in a vehicle 50 for an extended period of time (eg, several months) and returning the packages at the location indicated by the user 10.

 [0114] For example, the control server 100 may be configured to allow the user 10 to enter the time and place of delivery of the package, as well as the place and time of return from the terminal 12 of the user during the ordering of the container service, as well as select and assign the optimal vehicle 50 from fleet of vehicles 50 based on these units of information and similar information about other users 10. Vehicle 50 may be in a remote location with a low parking and moving fee while storing packages tsya for delivery of packages when another user 10 orders the service.

 [0115] In this configuration, an effective and very convenient service can be provided to user 10, eliminating the need to deliver a packet to a specified pick-up point.

 [0116] The embodiments described above are provided for ease of understanding of the present invention and are not restrictive. Relevant elements included in the embodiments, as well as their location, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes and other similar characteristics, are not limited to those disclosed in the embodiments and may be modified accordingly. Some of the components described in various embodiments may be replaced or combined with each other.

 [0117] In the present description, “block”, “means” and “procedure” refer not only to elements of physical nodes. Rather, they also relate to cases where the processes performed by a “block” or other similar device are implemented in software. In addition, processes performed by one “block” or other similar device may be performed by two or more components of nodes or devices. Processes performed by two or more “blocks” or two or more devices can be performed by a single component or device.

Claims (55)

1. A server device comprising: communication means configured transmitting to the user’s information terminal information related to the service available to the user, receiving information related to the service selected by the user from the information terminal, receiving from the information terminal a packet information related to a user packet, first location information indicating a location for receiving a packet from a user, first time information indicating a packet receiving time from a user, second location information indicating a location for packet return, and second time information indicating a packet return time; and distribution means configured to distribute the installed vehicle based on package information, first location information and first time information; wherein the distribution means is configured to select, as the installed vehicle, such a vehicle that will be determined to be able to arrive at the location indicated in the first location information by the time indicated in the first time information and arrive at the location indicated in second location information, by the time indicated in the second time information, and the distribution means is configured to distribute the installed vehicle by transmitting the first location information, the first time information, the second location information and the second time information to the installed vehicle. 2. The server device according to claim 1, in which the service is a package storage service, including the return of a package received from a user after the prescribed storage time of the package in the vehicle. 3. The server device according to claim 1, in which the service is a laundry service including the return of a package received from a user after washing the package in a vehicle. 4. The server device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, further containing calculating means for comparing the difference between the second time information and the first time information with the time necessary for the vehicle to move from the location indicated in the first location information to the location indicated in the second location information. 5. The server device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the communication means is configured to receive information from several vehicles indicating the current locations of the vehicles, and distribution means configured to select a distribution vehicle from a fleet of vehicles, additionally based on information about current locations. 6. The server device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the first location information and the second location information are information indicating the same location. 7. Server device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-3, in which the service includes a step performed in a vehicle, and the distribution means is arranged to distribute the installed vehicle, at least based on the condition that this step is performed by the installed vehicle between the time indicated in the first time information and the time indicated in the second time information. 8. A vehicle containing: airborne communication device configured to obtaining at least first location information indicating a location for receiving a packet from a user, first time information indicating a time for receiving a packet from a user, second location information indicating a location for returning a packet, and second time information indicating a time returning the packet from the server device, wherein said server device is configured to transmitting to the user’s information terminal information related to the service available to the user, receiving information related to the service selected by the user from the information terminal, receiving from the information terminal packet information related to the user packet, first location information, first time information, second location information and second time information, and allocating an installed vehicle based on package information, first location information and first time information; and selecting, as the installed vehicle, such a vehicle that will be determined to be able to arrive at the location indicated in the first location information by the time indicated in the first time information and arrive at the location indicated in the second location information, by the time indicated in the second time information, and distributing the installed vehicle by transmitting the first location information, the first time information, the second location information and the second time information to the installed vehicle; processing means configured to process information indicating a route to reach the location indicated in the first location information from the current location of the vehicle to the time indicated in the first time information, and information indicating a route to reach a location indicated in the second location information from a location indicated in the first location information to a time indicated in the second time information. 9. The vehicle of claim 8, further comprising equipment configured to perform at least one operation of said service. 10. The vehicle according to claim 8, in which the service is a laundry service, including returning a package received from a user after washing the package in a vehicle, and the vehicle contains equipment for executing in the vehicle a washing package received from the user. 11. A service delivery system comprising: several vehicles; and a server device containing: communication means, configured to transmit to the user’s information terminal information related to a service available to the user, receiving information related to the service selected by the user from the information terminal, receiving from the information terminal a packet information regarding a user packet, first location information indicating a location for receiving a packet from a user, first time information indicating a packet receiving time from a user, second location information indicating a location for packet return, and a second time information indicating a packet return time; and distribution means configured to distribute the installed vehicle based on package information, first location information and first time information; wherein the distribution means is configured to select, as the installed vehicle, such a vehicle that will be determined to be able to arrive at the location indicated in the first location information by the time indicated in the first time information and arrive at the location indicated in the second location information, by the time indicated in the second time information, and the distribution means is configured to distribute the installed vehicle by transmitting the first location information, the first time information, the second location information and the second time information to the installed vehicle. 12. Non-volatile storage medium on which the program is recorded, while the said program, when executed by a computer, determines that the computer executes: the stage of obtaining information related to the service available user from the server; the step of transmitting to the server information related to the service selected by the user; as well as the step of transmitting to the server the packet information related to the user packet, the first location information indicating the location for receiving the packet from the user, the first time information indicating the time the packet was received from the user, the second location information indicating the location for returning the packet, and second time information indicating a packet return time; and the step of selecting, as the installed vehicle, such a vehicle that will be determined to be able to arrive at the location indicated in the first location information by the time specified in the first time information and arrive at the location indicated in the second information about location, to the time indicated in the second time information, and the step of distributing the installed vehicle by transmitting the first location information, the first time information, the second location information and the second time information to the installed vehicle.

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